AU network gives students edge in Shure competition

Wed, 2013-01-30 08:39 -- univcomm

January 30, 2013

Four Anderson University students were recently selected as finalists in the Shure Fantastic Scholastic Recording Competition. Each year, Shure selects 10 schools at random to compete for $15,000 worth of Shure microphones. This year, music business majors Josh Sadlon, Caleb Schoberg, and Clark Wright, along with marketing major Jordan Poortenga, were selected to represent AU in the competition.

The students receive the microphone equipment for a short time during the competition. Using the Shure gear, they must record a song with every piece of equipment received. If the students win the competition, they will keep all of the Shure products. Along with the $15,000 in equipment, winners and their respective universities will be featured on Shure’s website. The winners will be chosen based on mix quality, unique usage of the microphones, and creativity. Shure will announce the winners in late April.

[Photo: A selection of some of the microphone equipment AU students received for the Shure competition.]

Working alongside professors and professionals from the AU community, juniors Poortenga and Schoberg have a sense of confidence going into the competition. “We have some tricks up our sleeve,” said Schoberg.

Professor of Music Dr. Mark Murray has been an important resource to the team of students. “Our professor was a student at AU when he was chosen to compete in the same competition,” said Poortenga. Having both the skill and experience necessary for the Shure competition, students believe the talent within the AU network gives them an advantage over other schools.

Having competed in the Shure Competition himself, Murray passes down the knowledge of the judges to his students. “We chose an artist with a song we believe the judges will like, coupled with skilled musicians and well-known professionals,” said Poortenga.

“We’re hiring professional musicians that are closely affiliated with Anderson University, such as Steven Potaczek, Thom Daugherty, Cliff Kimmerling, and Chad Kinner,” said Poortenga.

The AU network has also given the team of students access to studios. “Having a great space to record is integral when making a great recording,” said Poortenga. “We have contacted Gaither Studios in Alexandria, and they have kindly donated the use of their studio for us to utilize in the competition. Working at Gaither Studios will help give us a competitive edge.”

The team credits AU and its talented network of faculty and professionals that have led them to their success thus far. “AU provided the means for us to learn, grow, and network with the right people for this all happen,” said Poortenga.

— Kristen Schaap is a senior from Chicago, Ill., majoring in communication arts. Schaap is an associate with Fifth Street Communications®, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.